Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on expression of cerebral cortical interleukin 4(IL-4)

signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(STAT 6)and NF-κB family subunit p 65 in focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury(CIRI)rats

so as to explore its mechanisms in reducing cerebral ischemia.Methods Forty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into sham group(n=15)

CIRI model group(n=15)

and EA group(n=15).The CIRI model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R).EA(1mA

2Hz/100Hz)was applied to"Baihui"(GV 20)and the left"Hegu"(LI 4)-"Taichong"(LR 3)for 20 min

once every 12 h

three times altogether.The expression levels of p-STAT 6

STAT 6and NF-κB p 65 in the ischemic cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot

separately

and the content of IL-4was detected by ELISA.Results Compared with the sham group

cerebral IL-4content and the expression levels of NF-κB p 65 immunoactivity and protein were significantly up-regulated in the CIRI model group(P<0.001

P<0.01).Following EA intervention

the levels of IL-4

p-STAT 6expression and ratio of p-STAT 6/STAT 6were notably increased in the EA group than in the model group(P<0.01)

while the levels of cerebral NF-κB p 65 immunoactivity and protein expression were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01

P<0.05).Conclusion EA of GV 20 and LI 4-LR 3can up-regulate cerebral cortical IL-4content and p-STAT 6expression

and down-regulate NF-κB p 65 expression in CIRI rats

which may contribute to its effect in improving cerebral ischemia by reducing inflammatory injury.